Writing Test
Overview
During the naturalization interview, you must demonstrate your ability to write English. The USCIS officer dictates 1 out of 3 sentences, and you must write at least 1 sentence correctly. The app helps you practice with the official USCIS writing vocabulary and dictation sentences.
83 Vocabulary Words
100 Dictation Sentences
1 of 3 Sentences to Pass
Unlike the civics test, which has a published list of 100 or 128 specific questions and answers, the writing test has no published test sentences. USCIS only publishes a vocabulary list of 83 words (PDF). The app’s 100 practice sentences are built entirely from these official words. If you can spell all 83 words, you can write any sentence on the test.
Vocabulary Browser
The writing test uses 83 official USCIS vocabulary words. Browse the complete word list to learn the spelling and meaning of every word you might need to write. These include civics terms, common verbs, and everyday words.
Focus on spelling. The writing test requires you to write words correctly, so practice writing each vocabulary word until the spelling is automatic.
Once you know the vocabulary, practice writing complete sentences from dictation, just like the real test.
Dictation Practice
The app includes 100 practice sentences for dictation:
- Tap play to hear a sentence read aloud via text-to-speech
- Write the sentence on the handwriting canvas
- The app uses OCR to check your handwriting against the correct text
- See your result and try again if needed
This closely mirrors the real test experience, where the officer reads a sentence aloud and you write it down.
The dictation exercises above use the app’s handwriting canvas. Here is how it works.
Handwriting Canvas
Write using your finger or Apple Pencil on the built-in canvas:
- Works on both iPhone and iPad
- Supports Apple Pencil for a natural writing experience on iPad
- OCR automatically recognizes your handwriting
- Clear the canvas to try again
Write clearly and at a moderate size. The OCR works best with neat, well-spaced handwriting.
The handwriting canvas works best in light mode. If you experience recognition issues in dark mode, try switching to light mode in Settings.
USCIS Resources
Official writing test materials from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services:
- Official Writing Vocabulary Word List (PDF), all 83 vocabulary words
- USCIS Study Materials, the official study page with practice materials
- English Test Policy (USCIS Policy Manual), the official policy on the English reading and writing tests